Sunhwa Kim

Sunhwa Kim, a South Korean-born woodworker and furniture designer, blends Eastern and Western philosophies in her captivating work. With a deep appreciation for traditional lacquer techniques, Kim’s designs are a melding of old and new.

Having attained two master’s degrees, one in design and craft from the esteemed Kanazawa College of Art in Japan, and the other in furniture design from the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design in the U.S., Kim is well-versed in her field. She also holds a degree in wood furniture design from Dong-A University in Korea, and has honed her skills further at the prestigious Ishikawa Prefecture Institute of Wajima Lacquer Art in Japan.

Kim has been a dedicated coordinator of the wood/furniture design program at Buffalo State College since 2008. In a display of her expertise, she curated an exhibition at the Burchfield Penney in 2013 that showcased the mastery of lacquerware artisans from across Asia. Notably, Kim also served as a juror for the Center’s biannual Art in Craft Media group show that same year.